Gretchen T. Bersch Award
Established in 2010 to recognize and honor the work and deeds of Gretchen T. Bersch, and those who exemplify her expertise, commitment, and passion in promoting the field of study and practice that advances adult learning theory, life-long learning, cultural attunement, and excellence in teaching.
Award recipients to date:
- 2010 – Susan Herman (Posthumously awarded). Northern Leadership Center Director, UAF School of Business Administration Management
- 2011 – Chris Lott, Design Team Manager & Disruptive Technologist, UAF Center for Distance Education
We Make the Road by Walking Award:
Established in 2011, this award is in appreciation for generous support of the Lilly Arctic Institute on Innovations and Excellence in Teaching, and the promotion of adult learner focused teaching and training.
This recognition and honor is by Alaskan Elders for excellence in cultural attunement and lifelong learning.
Award recipients to date:
- 2011 – Daniel Julius, Vice President of Academic Affairs, UA Academic Affairs
- 2011 – Bernice Joseph, Executive Dean of College of Rural and Community Development, Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community and Native Education, UAF
- 2011 – Susan Henrichs, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UAF
Elders Award
Established in 2010. Alaskan Elders represent the collective wisdom, heart and understanding upon which authentic living and learning is grounded. They remind us of the privilege and responsibility of honoring and respecting relationships with our family, our community, our world and our higher purpose. The life-long adventure of living and learning a good life results from a position of humility, understanding, and cooperation. Alaskan Elders have taught us about cultural attunement… the active process of maintaining cultural humility… and of the powers of balance, reflections and patience. Alaskan Elders are our wisdom keepers and our true higher educators. This award was established to honor the wisdom and teachings of our Alaskan Elders by recognizing those Elders-in-training among us who deeds and practices have promoted cultural Attunement and balance in all things for a better world community.
Award recipients to date:
- 2010 – Barbara Millis, Director of Teaching & Learning Center at University of Texas San Antonio
- 2010 – Barbara Vacaar, Director of the PhD in Educational Studies Programs at Lesley University Boston
- 2010 – Todd Zakrajsek, Executive Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 2011 – Robert Parr, Assistant Professor, UAF CTC, Human Services Program
- 2011 – Kara Thrasher-Livingston, M. Ed.Training Specialist II Operations Integrity Unit, State of Alaska, Senior and Disabilities Services
- 2011 – Thia Falcone, Data Specialist, Adjunct Professor, Sociology UAA Kodiak College, KOC Instruction